Băsescu's Moldovan citizenship restored, reigniting unification debate

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has restored the Moldovan citizenship of former Romanian President Traian Băsescu, who had previously seen his citizenship revoked. Sandu expressed gratitude for Băsescu's consistent and unconditional support for Moldova and its citizens, stating he "facilitated the regaining of Romanian citizenship" for many Moldovans and "promoted scholarships for our youth."

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Mr. President Băsescu supported the citizens of the Republic of Moldova with all his might and unconditionally, regardless of governments.

Băsescu, who served as Romania's president from 2004 to 2014, was known for his pro-unification stance regarding Moldova. In 2005, he reportedly proposed to then-Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin that the two countries unite and join the European Union together. Voronin confirmed this proposal years later, recalling Băsescu's offer to help him become president of a "Greater Romania."

However, Voronin rejected the idea, reportedly not wanting Moldova to become a mere region of Romania. The unification proposal also faced potential opposition from NATO, which Romania joined in 2004, and major European powers, who were concerned about Romania's economic capacity to integrate Moldova and the risk of conflict with Russia, especially given Ukraine's pro-Russian leadership at the time.

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Traian Băsescu, in my office, in front of the map of Moldova, proposed the unification between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. He told me: let's do the unification and I will contribute so that you become the future president of Greater Romania.

Despite these obstacles, Băsescu remained enthusiastic about unification. His Moldovan citizenship was revoked in 2017 by then-President Igor Dodon, fulfilling an electoral promise. Sandu's decision to restore it signifies a shift in political sentiment and a recognition of Băsescu's past support.

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My son lost everything. Both houses and his job and everything. I didn't know anything. On Sunday morning when it happened, I was supposed to take my grandchildren to the scooters in Megalopoli.